The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing nearly 49,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vehicles valued at over ₦63 million in a major operation across Nigeria’s northeastern corridor.
The enforcement success comes under the banner of Operation Whirlwind, a strategic initiative aimed at curbing the illegal export of PMS across Nigeria’s borders.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola, Adamawa State, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, attributed the successful interception to “intelligence-led and coordinated enforcement” across the service’s Zone ‘D’.
A total of 1,959 jerry cans—equivalent to nearly 49,000 litres of PMS—were recovered, alongside five vehicles used in the smuggling operation. The seizures took place along notorious smuggling routes such as Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.
“Upon sighting Customs operatives, smugglers abandoned their illegal consignments in a bid to avoid arrest,” said ACG Ejibunu. He noted that the operation is in line with the Federal Government’s economic protection agenda, under the direction of President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi.
He stressed the significance of the operation in addressing fuel scarcity, stabilising market prices, and strengthening national security. “This is our contribution to safeguarding national resources and fostering economic resilience,” he added.
In accordance with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized petroleum products—being highly flammable—will be auctioned immediately, with the proceeds deposited into the Federation Account.
Ejibunu also called for greater collaboration with border communities, urging traditional rulers to engage young people and steer them away from smuggling, which he described as a serious act of economic sabotage.
“The fight against smuggling is not for Customs alone. It requires the partnership of communities, media, and all stakeholders,” he emphasised.
He expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, and other security agencies for their unwavering support during the operation.